Technology

Wirecard AG’s former chief executive officer was detained by Munich prosecutors after 1.9 billion euros ($2.1 billion) went missing from the digital-payment company, in a scandal that has rattled Germany’s financial industry.

Markus Braun turned himself in to Munich prosecutors, who arrested him on suspicion of false accounting and market manipulation; the Wirecard fallout may make it harder for European fintechs to attract investors.

In a new twist on an old scam, cybercriminals have tried to get thousands of people to surrender their Wells bank account information by sending authentic-looking emails containing malicious links that lead to a fake website bearing the company's name.

The spending and account management capabilities of corporate prepaid cards have been given new purpose in a pandemic-struck world dependent on government and charity aid.

Micro-investing apps that can enable payments, savings management and investment all in one place will gain favorable consideration from investors and consumers alike, says Naples Technology Ventures' Tom Hogan.

With Americans traveling less due to the pandemic, the card, issued by Synchrony, is tailoring rewards to everyday purchases, such as groceries. It also has a contactless feature that could appeal to shoppers fearful of touching terminals.

The company, which has yet to turn a profit since it was spun off from Live Oak Bank, said it would use the proceeds for working capital and possibly to make acquisitions.

In a new twist on an old scam, cybercriminals have tried to get thousands of people to surrender their Wells bank account information by sending authentic-looking emails containing malicious links that lead to a fake website bearing the company's name.

Decentralizing staff makes strong internal controls even more important, Josh Cyphers and Derek Halpern of Nvoicepay write.

James Freis took charge of Wirecard AG on Friday and the question he faces on Monday is what, if anything, he will be able to salvage of the payment company.